Nepal Opens Access to 97 Peaks Without Permits

• Nepal has announced a fee for climbing 97 mountain peaks.
• This initiative aims to attract tourists to lesser-known regions.
• From 2025, the fee for climbing Everest will be $15,000.

Nepal has decided to attract tourists to less famous mountains, announcing a fee for climbing 97 peaks in the western provinces of Karnali and Sudurpashchim. This initiative is aimed at expanding tourism opportunities in the country, especially since climbing Everest costs $15,000, not including expenses for flights, supplies, and guides.

Himalaya Gautam, a representative of the Nepal Tourism Department, stated that these mountains have not been sufficiently promoted through their own department and the biodiversity of the regions. The new free permits for climbing will be available for the next two seasons, and after that, the government will review the results.

In Karnali, there are 77 peaks, and in Sudurpashchim, 20. These regions require a three-day trek from Kathmandu, after which the road infrastructure and living conditions remain challenging.

In 2024, Nepal welcomed 1.15 million international tourists, highlighting the importance of tourism for the economy of the country. The government hopes that the new initiative will increase interest in other mountain routes and reduce congestion on Everest.

In the summer of 2025, Nepal will increase the fee for climbing Everest by 36%, which will impose new requirements for climbers planning to ascend.

Tags: Economy